Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards FAIRS … · 2019-04-16 · Food safety MEWA Processed Foodstuffs Health Certificate Biotech Health Certificate ( if biotech

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THIS REPORT CONTAINS ASSESSMENTS OF COMMODITY AND TRADE ISSUES MADE BY

USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT

POLICY

Required Report - public distribution

Date: 4/4/2019

GAIN Report Number: SA1815

Saudi Arabia

Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards

Report

FAIRS Export Certificate Report

Approved By:

Alan Hallman, U.S. Embassy, Riyadh

Prepared By:

Hussein Mousa, U.S. Embassy, Riyadh

Report Highlights:

The major export certificates required by Saudi Arabia’s regulatory and import control agencies are

included in this Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) - Certificates

Report. These certificates are required for the importation of food and agricultural products into the

Kingdom. This report includes Saudi Arabia’s request for a new certificate for exports of poultry meat

and products to Saudi Arabia. Information in this report supplements the FAIRS Annual Country

Report.

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Disclaimer

This report was prepared by the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for U.S.

exporters of domestic food and agricultural products. While every possible care was taken in the

preparation of this report, information provided may not be completely accurate because policies have

changed since its preparation, or clear and consistent information about these policies was not available.

It is highly recommended that U.S. exporters verify the full set of import requirements with their Saudi

customers (importer), who are normally best equipped to research such matters with local authorities,

before any goods are shipped. Final import approval of any product is subject to the importing country's

rules and regulations as interpreted by border officials at the time of product entry.

Table of Contents

SECTION I. LIST OF ALL EXPORT CERTIFICATES REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT ...... 3 SECTION II. PURPOSE OF SPECIFIC EXPORT CERTIFICATE(S) ........................................ 6 SECTION III. SPECIFIC ATTESTATIONS REQUIRED ON EXPORT CERTIFICATE(S) ..... 7

SECTION IV. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATE’S LEGAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ........ 17 SECTION V. OTHER CERTIFICATION/ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS .................. 17

APPENDIX I. CONDITIONS FOR IMPORTATION OF HORSES FROM THE U.S. ............. 20 APPENDIX II. LIST OF LIVESTOCK DISEASES .................................................................... 28 APPENDIX III: OFFICIAL MEAT IMPORT REQUIREMENTS ............................................ 30

APPENDIX: IV. HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR FISH AND SEAFOOD PRODUCTS ......... 34 APPENDIX V. HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR EGG AND EGG PRODUCTS ...................... 36

APPENDIX VI. BIOTECH CERTIFICATES ............................................................................. 37

APPENDIX VII. PLANTING SEEDS IMPORT REQUIREMENT ........................................... 40

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SECTION I. LIST OF ALL EXPORT CERTIFICATES REQUIRED BY

GOVERNMENT

The following tables list all export certificates required by Saudi government agencies for agricultural

products imports to Saudi Arabia:

Product Title of Certificate Attestation Required on Certificate Purpose Requesting

Authority or

Organization

Livestock 1. Health Certificate

2. Pedigree Certificate

3. Animal Health

Report

Livestock are disease free, were given all

required vaccinations and meet all Saudi

Arabian animal quarantine regulations.

Certify that the exported animal meets

the importer’s animal breed quality

requirements if the animal is imported

for breeding purpose.

Up-to-date report on animal health.

Animal Health

To ascertain

genealogical record

of the animal

Information on status

of animal health from

the time it left an

exporting country

port until it arrives at

a Saudi port

Ministry of

Environment,

Water and

Agriculture

(MEWA)

Importing

company

MEWA

Bovine,

Poultry

Meat and

Products

1. Health Certificate

2. Halal Certificate and

Certificate of Islamic

Slaughter

3. Animal Protein Feed

Free Certificate

4. Poultry Stunning

Free Certificate

(requested by SFDA)

Meat is free from disease and fit for

human consumption.

Slaughtering has taken place in an

officially licensed slaughterhouse and in

accordance with Islamic slaughtering

procedures.

FSIS certificate to confirm that U.S.

bovine animals or poultry slaughtered

were not fed with feed containing

processed animal-protein. FSIS

certifications are provided for U.S.

bovine (beef and veal) or poultry meat

producers who participate in AMS’s

Export Verification (EV) Programs for

Saudi Arabia.

SFDA has requested an FSIS certificate

confirming that stunning is not used in

the poultry slaughtering process

Food safety

Religious Conformity

to Islamic

slaughtering rituals


to Islamic Halal food


to Islamic Halal food

Saudi Food and

Drug Authority

(SFDA)

SFDA

SFDA

SFDA

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Product Title of Certificate Attestation Required on Certificate Purpose Requesting

Authority or

Organization Dairy

Products

1. Health Certificate

2. Veterinary

Certificate

3. Certificate of

Radioactivity

Measurement

(for imports from

Europe and the

former USSR

countries)

Products contain no harmful level of contaminants

and fit for human consumption.

Among other things, it attests milk is derived from

cows in which BSE has not been officially

identified and bovine herds were not fed with

protein derived from animal ruminant.

Products detailed on the certificate contain total

radiocaesium concentrations within officially

established level and are fit for human

consumption.

Food

safety

Food

safety

Food

safety

SFDA

SFDA

SFDA

Egg and

Egg

Products

Health Certificate

Egg products have been processed to ensure the

destruction of all pathogen agents, especially

Salmonella.

Products have been processed against any

contamination before and after processing.

Egg products have been processed in an approved

establishment under official health supervision.

Based on of a national control scheme, egg

products comply with the importing country of

origin or international standards regarding residue

of chemical contaminants, such as dioxins,

pesticides, veterinary drugs etc… or any other

contaminations

Food

safety

SFDA

Product Title of Attestation Required on Certificate Purpose Requesting

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Certificate Authority or

Organization Fish and

Seafood

Health Certificate

Fish and seafood products meet all specified

Saudi Arabian sanitary attestation requirements.

Food safety

SFDA

Fruits and

Vegetables

Phytosanitary

Certificate

Products are inspected and/or tested according to

appropriate official procedures and are

considered to be free from quarantine pests

specified by importing country.

Food safety MEWA

Processed

Foodstuffs

Health Certificate

Biotech Health

Certificate ( if

biotech content in

processed foods

exceed one

percent)

Novel Foods

Exported products were processed or

manufactured under conditions that comply with

sanitary and health laws of the exporting country

and are fit for human consumption.

Biotech processed foods that are exported to

Saudi Arabia must have been approved in the

country of origin for human consumption. Each

shipment must be accompanied by a health

certificate issued by competent government

agency stating that the biotech ingredients used

in the foodstuffs are approved in the country of

origin for human consumption.

A Free Sale Certificate testifying that the

product, with its components and ingredients, is

freely sold in one of the countries, which apply

Codex standards or EU legislations.

Food safety

Food safety

Food safety

SFDA

SFDA

SFDA

Planting

Seeds

Phytosanitary

Certificate

Seed Analysis

Certificate

Biotech Health

Certificate

( if biotech content

in planting seeds

exceed one percent)

Products were inspected and/or tested according

to appropriate official procedures and are

considered to be free from quarantine pests

specified by importing country.

Seeds were tested in accordance with ISTA rules

and are free from insects, epidemic, diseases and

weed seeds.

Biotech seed exported to Saudi Arabia must have

been approved in the country of origin for

planting seeds. Each shipment must be

accompanied by a health certificate issued by

competent government agency stating that the

biotech ingredient used in the planting seed

production is approved in the country of origin

for planting seeds.

Phytosanitary

concern

Seed quality

Food safety and

concern for

biodiversity

MEWA

MEWA and

importing

company

MEWA

Product Title of

Certificate Attestation Required on Certificate Purpose Requesting

Authority or

Organization

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Grain and

Feed

Phytosanitary

Certificate

Grain Analysis

Certificate

Certificate of

Weight or Packing

list

Fumigation

Certificate

Biotech Health

Certificate, if

biotech content in

grain and feed

exceed 1 percent

Certify that the plants, part of plants or products

or other regulated articles described have been

inspected and/or tested according to appropriate

official procedures and are considered to be free

from quarantine pests specified by the importing

contracting party and conform to current

phytosanitary requirements of the importing

country including those for regulated non-

quarantine pests.

Imported grain meets the importers quality

specifications.

Provides marks, numbers, and other important

information about the shipment.

Attests that the stated quantity and type of

exported grain was fumigated on the indicated

date.

Biotech grain and feed exported to Saudi Arabia

must have been approved in the country of origin

for human or animal consumption. Each shipment

must be accompanied by a health certificate

issued by competent government agency stating

that the biotech ingredients used in the grain

production are approved in the country of origin

for human or animal consumption.

Phytosanitary

concern

Grain quality

To expedite

customs

clearance

Grain quality

Food Safety

MEWA

MEWA and

importing

company

Importing

company

MEWA

MEWA

Forest

Products International

Conformity

Certification

Program

The goods stated below according to the

attached invoice and exported from (name of

the country) have been subjected to

laboratory tests and proven to be in

compliance with the approved standards in

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Product

quality SFDA

SECTION II. PURPOSE OF SPECIFIC EXPORT CERTIFICATE(S)

See the “purpose” column above.

The export certificate table in this report deals mainly with official documents issued for food safety and

animal health concerns. Regardless of the kind of agricultural products imported, a commercial invoice,

a bill of lading, a country of origin declaration, a certificate of weight and a packing list must

accompany official certificates. These four documents are defined below for information purpose.

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Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is a document a seller issues on company’s letterhead that details the business

deal between the seller and a buyer. The invoice should include the name and address of both the seller

and buyer, the date of the sale, a description of the goods sold, the quantity, the unit price, the terms of

sale, and the total money amount due. The Saudi Customs Authority requires that commercial invoices

to be issued on CIF basis (cost, insurance and freight). If products are sold on FOB (free on board)

basis, the Saudi importers will have to pay for the freight and insurance costs and submit the invoices to

the Saudi Customs along with commercial invoices when the consignment arrives at the Saudi port of

entry. The Saudi Customs requires the CIF information for imported food products in order to assess

accurate levies and import duties. Shipments are normally cleared in less than ten days provided all

documents are in order and imported products meet Saudi standards and specifications.

Bill of lading

A document issued on behalf of the carrier describing the kind and quantity of goods being shipped, the

shipper, the consignee, the port of loading and discharge and the carrying vessel. It serves as a document

of title, a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods.

Country of Origin Certificate

This certificate is issued by an exporting company and should provide, among other things, information

such as the name and address of both exporting and importing companies, country of destination, name,

and quantity of product(s) exported. The country of origin certificate is required by the Saudi Customs

Authority to determine whether or not customs charges, waivers, or other preferential treatment applies

to the imported product and to make sure products from countries banned from exporting to the

Kingdom are prevented entry into the Saudi market. Saudi Arabia imposes import bans mostly for

human health and phytosanitary concerns.

Packing List or Certificate of Weight

Seed and grain importers request either a packing list or certificate of weight as one of the required

import documents. A packing list is not required for processed foodstuffs, but is highly recommended

for expediting customs clearance. Both the packing list and the certificate of weight provide information

related to marks and numbers and other important information about the shipment.

SECTION III. SPECIFIC ATTESTATIONS REQUIRED ON EXPORT

CERTIFICATE(S)

Live Horses

Health Certificate

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An official health certificate issued by a USDA-approved competent veterinarian who is certified to

carry out export certification must accompany horses exported from the United States to Saudi Arabia.

A USDA veterinarian must endorse the health certificate issued. The health certificate must confirm

that the horses are free from diseases, were quarantined for 30 days prior to export, were given all

required vaccinations and were pre-export tested. Detailed requirements for permanent importation of

horses from the United States into Saudi Arabia are found in

Appendix I.

Live Bovine Animals, Camels, Sheep and Goats

Livestock importers (live bovine animals, camels, sheep and goats) must obtain an import permit from

the MEWA’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Department before shipments leave the exporting country.

Livestock shipments must be accompanied by country of origin and health certificates from a recognized

authority in the country of origin duly authenticated by the Saudi embassy in that country.

Health Certificate

In the United States, a USDA authorized veterinarian issues official health certificates declaring that the

exported livestock is free from diseases. This certificate shall contain among other things names and

addresses of both exporting and importing companies and complete identification of the livestock to be

exported. The health certificate should provide the following detailed information:

1. Confirm the following:

All imported animals are epidemic free and infectious disease free

General health status of the imported animal

Date of the vaccinations specified by the Ministry upon application for the import license

Veterinary inspection for all imported animals within 24 hours prior to shipping

All other prerequisites necessary for import license applicants

2. Port of departure of shipped animals must be one of the ports inside the country of origin, directly to

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with no anchorage or call to any other port, place or country, which the

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has declared infected by epidemic diseases and therefore banned from animal

imports to the kingdom.

3. A report, which content must be known to the shipper, must be submitted to indicate the

following:

Status of animal health throughout the journey, showing deaths and any occurrences of disease

The shipped animals have not come through places or countries banned by the Kingdom of

Saudi Arabia

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The shipped animals have not mixed with other infected animals

4. Veterinary inspection shall be conducted upon arrival at any Saudi port. The whole shipment shall be

rejected if it is infected with any of the diseases listed in table 1. Refer to Appendix II.

5. Shipment may be quarantined upon detection of any disease mentioned in table No. 2 if the

percentage of infection does not exceed 10 percent of the random sample inspected. If, however, the

percentage exceeds 10 percent, the shipment will be refused entry. Refer to Appendix II.

6. MEWA may ban importation from any country or area as per the health status of that country or area

according to decisions taken by the competent international organizations.

Livestock and Poultry Meat

Health Certificate

An official agency responsible for issuing health certificates should declare that 1) the meat is derived

from healthy animals slaughtered at an officially approved slaughterhouse and under the direct

supervision of the responsible official government agency, 2) the animals have not been fed with

processed animal protein excluding fish meal 3) the feed used comply with the approved standards 4)

the animals were not subjected to growth hormones that do not comply with the levels mentioned in the

approved standards.

Animal Protein Free Verification (APFV) Program

The SFDA regulations for livestock and poultry meat products require that the health certificate

accompanying shipments of livestock and poultry meat to clearly indicate that the livestock or birds

slaughtered had not been fed with processed animal protein excluding fishmeal. In order for FSIS to

issue the required animal protein free certification, U.S. exports beef, poultry and products to the

Kingdom should come from slaughter facilities that participate in the Agricultural Marketing Service’s

(AMS) Export Verification (EV) Program for Bovine Animal and Protein Free Verification (APFV)

Program for beef and poultry, respectively. Information about these programs can be found on AMS

Certificates

Halal Slaughter Certificate

This certificate indicates that slaughter has taken place in an officially licensed slaughterhouse and in

accordance with Islamic Law (Shari’ah) procedures. Islamic institutions recognized by the Saudi

Embassy or Consulates in the United States issue the Halal slaughtering certificate. Information related

to the approved Islamic institutions may be obtained from the Saudi Embassy in Washington or the

nearest Saudi Consulate (New York, Houston, or Los Angeles). The concerned health authority must

stamp several parts of slaughtered animals. Age of the slaughtered livestock should not exceed three

years for lamb and five years for beef and only meat of male livestock is imported. Exporters should

comply with prevailing Saudi rules and regulations regarding the procedure for cutting, shipping, and

storing meat shipped to the Kingdom. A sample Halal certificate is shown Appendix III.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/imports-exports

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/imports-exports

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Ban of Poultry Stunning/Immobilization

At the end of May 2018, SFDA implemented a two-decade-old Fatwa (Islamic religion edict) that

banned poultry stunning/immobilization in the poultry slaughtering process. The Fatwa, which was

issued on July 3, 1997 by the Makkah based International Islamic Fiqh Academy (religious scholars of

the Muslim World League), banned electrical stunning of poultry before slaughtering. According to

SFDA, the Fiqh Academy issued the fatwa to ban poultry stunning after it conducted experiments at

major poultry slaughtering houses in Latin America and observed that electrical stunning led to the

death of a significant number of chickens before their throats were cut. This requirement has stopped

exports of U.S. poultry meat and products to Saudi Arabia. Analysts that follow the Saudi poultry

industry question why it took Saudi Arabia 21 years to implement the fatwa. The ban can be viewed as a

halal issue or a non-tariff measure to assist the competitiveness of local poultry producers.

Banned Products

For religious reasons, Saudi Arabia bans imports of alcoholic beverages, live swine, pork and food

ingredients or additives that contain pork products, including pork fat, rennet and gelatin. Meat and

poultry shipments must be accompanied by a "Halal" slaughter certificate issued by an Islamic center in

the country of origin.

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Fish and Seafood

Health Certificate

A health certificate for fish and seafood must attest that the imported product meets the following

sanitary requirements:

Seafood products are for human consumption and derived from a zone/establishment free from fish

contagious diseases

Sea products have normal organoleptic characteristics, comply with all Saudi and/or international

standards and is fit for human consumption

Sea products have been processed in an approved establishment under official health supervision

On basis of a national follow-up control scheme, sea products comply with importing country- of-origin

or international standards regarding residues of chemical contaminants

The certificate must be stamped and signed by an official inspector. Please refer to Appendix IV for a

sample official health certificate

Dairy Products

Health Certificate

Any government official responsible for dairy inspection must state that the dairy product was

manufactured on government approved and registered premises and is subject to regular audits or

inspections. It certifies that the product at the time of shipment contains no harmful level of

contaminants including dioxins and is fit for human consumption. It also certifies that the milk and

milk-based product(s) have undergone a recognized pasteurization process with the aim of avoiding

public health hazards arising from pathogenic organisms associated with milk and the product can be

freely sold for human consumption in the exporting country. Other information included on the health

certificate includes a trader reference number, generic product name, product description, approval of

manufacturer/packer, manufacturer’s address, packer’s address, consignor, consignee, country of

manufacture, type of packing, net weight, quantity, production codes, place of dispatch, date of dispatch,

destination, and expiry date.

Health certificates for dairy products must contain the following declarations:

1) The milk/dairy products described above have been processed from raw milk/powdered milk

obtained from animals free from contagious diseases and fit for human consumption.

2) All dairy products have been processed and packaged in an approved establishment under

official health control.

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3) On basis of a national follow-up control scheme, the dairy product complies with the importing

country of origin or international standards regarding residues of chemical contaminants, such as

dioxin, pesticides, veterinary drugs etc., and no harmful colorants or preservative agents

(according to codex alimentarius) were added to these products.

4) Complies with the importing country or international standards for bacteria count.

5) In case of heat treatment: done in a way to obtain the destruction of pathogens.

With regard to radioactivity: contains no harmful radioactivity, or not more than the accepted level, for

the milk and milk products.

6) The declaration must be signed and stamped by an official inspector. SFDA accepts VS-16-4

certificates issued by veterinarians working for APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) for U.S. dairy

product exports. Please refer to Appendix V for a copy of an official health certificate.

Veterinary Certificate

An exporting country government veterinary inspector’s declaration that the exporting country is free of

foot-and-mouth disease, anthrax, rinderpest and all the other diseases on the “Office International des

Epizooties” (OIE.) list A to which the bovine species is susceptible. It addition, it must state that milk is

derived from cows in which BSE has not been officially identified at the time of collection and that

bovine herds are subject to official control and official brucellosis and buberculin testing. It further

states that bovine herds were not fed with protein derived from animal ruminant and the exporting

country is free of enzootic bovine leukosis.

Table Eggs and Egg Products

The Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Industry requires that imported table eggs and egg products are

accompanied by health and country-of-origin certificates. The official health certificate should provide

the following information:

1) The egg products have been processed to ensure the destruction of all pathogen agents,

especially salmonella.

2) The egg products have been processed against any recontamination before and after

processing.

3) The egg products have been processed in an approved establishment under official health

supervision.

4) On basis of a national follow-up control scheme, the egg products comply with the

importing country-of-origin or international standards regarding residue of chemical

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contaminants, such as dioxins, pesticides, veterinary drugs etc., or any other

contaminations.

5) No harmful colorants or preservative agents (according to Codex Alimentarius) have been

added to the egg products.

6) The health certificate must be signed and stamped by a local official inspector. Please refer

to Appendix VI for a copy of an official egg product health certificate.

Fruits and Vegetables

Phytosanitary Certificate

This certificate must accompany all shipments of fresh fruit and vegetables to the Kingdom certifying

that the products are inspected and/or tested according appropriate official procedures and are

considered to be free from quarantine pests specified by the importing contracting party and to conform

with the current phytosanitary requirements of the importing contracting party, including those for

regulated non-quarantine pests. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issue this

certificate.

Processed Foods

Health Certificate

The exporting company certifies on its letterhead that the products have been grown, processed, or

manufactured under conditions that comply with the sanitary and health laws of the United States of

America. It further declares that the goods are radiation free, and that their sale for human consumption

in the supplier’s country has been authorized. The firm verifies that the merchandise is fit for human

consumption. It is important to note that the exporting company on its letterhead issues health

certificates for high value products, with the exception of dairy and meat products. Since dairy and meat

products can be easily contaminated, they are tested for bacterial and other contaminants by official

exporting country government inspectors. Processed foods that are not covered by Saudi Arabian or

GCC countries standards must meet Codex or country of origin standards.

The certificate also contains marks and numbers (shipment booking number, container size, container

number, seal number, and quantities and list of exported products, production and expiration dates,

destination, country of origin, names and addresses of the shipper and receiver, mode of shipment,

signature of the exporter and seal of chamber of commerce or notary public). Refer to appendix VII for

processed foodstuff labeling and packaging requirements.

Novel Foods

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The following documents must be presented prior to the importation of novel food items to Saudi

Arabia.

Reliable scientific evidence authenticated by recognized official bodies to confirm the safety of

the food for human consumption including: Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), possible warnings in

case of intake by a high-risk population and also warnings if a food ingredient has exceeded its

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).

Reliable information on the criteria upon which the method of use has been based.

Ingredient analysis results from accredited labs confirming that the product is fit for human

consumption and free from any health hazards.

A Free Sale Certificate testifying that the product with its components and ingredients is freely

sold in one of the countries which apply Codex standards or EU legislations.

A pledge of full responsibility towards the product after its entry to the market and commitment

to follow any relevant circulars, standards or regulations that SFDA officially publishes in the

future.

Planting Seed


The purpose of this certificate is to verify that the seeds exported to Saudi Arabia are free from

agricultural diseases. The certificate is obtained from the USDA. The certificate certifies that the plants,

part of plants or products or other regulated articles described on the certificate have been inspected

and/or tested according to appropriate official procedures and are considered to be free from quarantine

pests specified by Saudi Arabia. Other information on the certificate includes treatment data, names and

addresses of the exporter and importer, name of the seed and quantity declared, botanical name of the

seed, number and description of package, distinguishing marks, place of origin, means of shipment,

declared port of entry and name, signature and seal of authorized officer.

Seed Analysis Certificate

This certificate is to prove the degree of purity of the seeds shipped to Saudi Arabia and is issued by

USDA and conforms to ISTA rules. The most important information the certificate must include is name

and address of seller, kind of seed, seed class, quantity of sampled seed, importing country, results of

inspection and percentage of germination, purity, impurity, moisture, etc. and confirmation that the

seeds are free from insects, epidemic, diseases and weed seeds. Please refer to Appendix VIII for

detailed official seeds import requirements.

Certificate of Weight or Packing List

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This certificate should be issued by the exporting company indicating the name and address of the Saudi

importer, invoice number, the name of the shipping vessel, port of loading, port of discharge,

number/unit of bags, name of commodity, lot number, and weight of shipment.

Mandatory Requirements for Genetically Engineered (GE) Planting Seeds

In October 2011, Saudi Arabia rescinded its ban on the imports of GE planting seeds when it

implemented the Gulf Standardization Organization’s (GSO) technical regulations on the import of

genetically engineered (GE) unprocessed agricultural products (GSO 2141/2011). The GSO technical

regulations call for biotech labeling, if the GE content in the planting seed exceeds one percent.

Although the GSO biotech regulations allow the importation of biotech planting seeds, no Saudi

companies have shown interest in importing biotech-planting seeds.

Biotech Certificate

Biotech seed exported to Saudi Arabia must have been approved in the country of origin for planting

seeds. Each shipment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by competent government

agency stating that the biotech ingredients used in seed are approved in the country of origin for planting

seeds and meet all requirements specified in GSO 2141/2011.

Grain and Feed


The purpose of this certificate is to verify that the grains exported are free from quarantine pests. This

certificate is required to accompany all shipments of grain, grain flour and animal feed. The Kingdom

requires that the certificate be issued by a responsible government agency such as USDA’s Grain

Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration (GIPSA). The certificate is issued on the letterhead

of an official government agency responsible for inspecting exported grains. The certificate contains at

least a description of consignment, names and addresses of exporter and importer, declared means of

transport, place of origin, place of entry, name of product, number and description of packages and

distinguishing marks, botanical name, declared quantity, and the following declaration:

This is to certify that the plants, part of plants or products or other regulated articles described herein

have been inspected and/or tested according to appropriate official procedures and are considered to be

free quarantine pests specified by the importing contracting party and to conform with current

phytosanitary requirements of the importing contracting party including those for regulated non-

quarantine pests.

Other information provided on the certificate includes additional declaration if any, disinfestations or

disinfections treatment, chemical active ingredient, concentration, duration and temperature, date, seal

and signature of issuing official.

Analysis or Quality Certificate

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This certificate is to verify that the imported grain meets the importers’ quality specifications. An

importing company hires a grain inspector in the country of origin to carry out loading supervision and

sampling submission to laboratory for quality ascertainment. The certificate shows type and quantity of

exported grain, name of vessel, shipper, port of loading, port of discharge, consignee, notification

address, documentary credit number, sampling method, analysis result. The results show contents of

moisture, foreign matters, damaged kernels, broken kernels, weevils kernels, grade of the grain, and

aflatoxin level. Other information included on the certificate is stowage and the date loading is

completed. A quality certificate is issued on the grain inspector’s letterhead.

Certificate of Weight

This certificate is issued by a grain inspector hired by the Saudi company or grain supplier indicating the

grain type and quantity, name of shipping vessel, port of loading, port of discharge, name and address of

the Saudi importer, weight ascertainment method, total ascertained weight, stowage information and the

date loading was completed.

Fumigation Certificate

A hired grain fumigation company issues this certificate. The certificate attests that the mentioned

quantity and type of exported grain were fumigated on the indicated date. It also provides other

pertinent information such as loading port, port of discharge, bill of lading date, documentary credit

number, vessel name, holds fumigated, fumigant used, dosage, exposition time, shipper name, consignee

name, notify address, date the certificate of issued, signature and seal of the issuing company.

Mandatory Requirements for GE Grains

In October 2011, Saudi Arabia implemented GSO 2141/2011 technical regulation for unprocessed

agricultural products, which calls for biotech labeling if GE contents in grains and feed exceed one

percent. Prior to the adoption of the GSO biotech regulations, Saudi Arabia has implemented for ten

years its own biotech labeling requirements for feed grains that tested positive for biotech content of

more than 0.9 percent.

Biotech Certificate

Biotech grain and feed exported to Saudi Arabia must have been approved in the country of origin for

human or animal consumption. Each shipment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by

competent government agency stating that the biotech ingredients used in the grain and feed are

approved in the country of origin for human or animal use and meet all requirements specified in GSO

2141/2011.

Forest Products

International Conformity Certification Program

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In 1995, the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry

established a program to regulate and monitor selected categories of products such as forest products

exported to Saudi Arabia. The program is known as the International Conformity Certification Program

(ICCP) and requires imported product to be in compliance with established SASO or internationally

approved equivalents. Below is a guideline for the ICCP.

1. Special laboratories will be used as an alternative mechanism for certifying the conformity of

imported goods to established standards, after the special laboratories have been approved for

examination purposes.

2. The conformity certificate should be issued by authorized special laboratories at the country

of origin. Such conformity certificates should accompany all the consignments of imported

goods (forest products) certifying their conformity to the established standard (technical

regulations). The certificate should confirm that these goods were subjected to a regular

laboratory examination under supervision of the competent control agency in the country of

origin. The entity should be fully responsible for the contents of this certificate. The producing

company should assume full responsibility for all damages happening as a result of using such

goods. Random samples may be taken from the imported consignments on their arrival to the

Kingdom’s ports in order to ascertain the veracity of the certificate. Please refer to Appendix IX

for ICCP standard form.

SECTION IV. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATE’S LEGAL ENTRY

REQUIREMENTS

The required certificates must accompany all imported agricultural products at the time of entry, and the

certificates are valid until the products are cleared through Saudi Customs. One export document is

valid only for one shipment and cannot be used for clearing multiple shipments. The Saudi government

accepts only manufacturers or exporters export declaration as certifications for country of origin, health

certificate for most processed foodstuffs and commercial invoice declarations. Health certificates for

beef, poultry and dairy products are issued by competent government authorities. On the other hand,

official certificates issued by U.S. states are accepted as long as the certifying departments are

competent and authorized by federal counterparts to issue export certificates. The Saudi government has

no intention, at least at this time, to derogate export certificates. As such, Saudi Customs does not allow

clearances of agricultural products if all required certificates do not accompany them.

SECTION V. OTHER CERTIFICATION/ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS

Other Certification/Accreditation Requirements

Depending on the nature of exported goods to Saudi Arabia, or according to a request from the Saudi

importer, some additional certifications may be required. Some of the additional documentations that

may be required are discussed below:

Food Manufacturer's Ingredients Certificate

18

The food manufacturer's ingredients certificate is usually required when the labeling information on the

packaged product is incomplete or does not provide adequate information about the imported product.

The certificate, if requested, should include description of exported food products (contents and

percentage of each ingredient), chemical data, microbiological standards, storage, and life of product

(date of manufacturing and date of expiration). When products contain any animal fats, the certificate

must confirm the kind of animal from which it is taken or state that no pork meat or its artificial flavor

nor its animal fat is being used.

Certificate of Free Sale

Saudi importers may sometime request a certificate of free sale for certain agricultural products. The

certificate mainly states that a product is known to be sold freely in the supplying country and regulated

by a governing body responsible for that particular product.

Consumer Protection Certificate

This certificate must confirm the healthiness of the various ingredients used in the exported food

products as well as declare their safety and fitness for human consumption. This certificate must be

obtained from a responsible government agency such as USDA or one of its local offices, and it must be

signed.

Certification Required for Products not listed on the Export Certificate Table

For agricultural products not listed in the above table, the Kingdom has not yet issued import

requirements, or the requirements are not available for distribution by the concerned Saudi government

agency when this report was written. For products where national standards are not established, the

Kingdom accepts country of origin or international requirements. U.S. exporters wishing to export

agricultural products for which the Kingdom has not yet issued quality standards should request the

potential Saudi importer to approach the concerned authority and obtain specific import requirements.

Document Notarization

Depending on the types of certificate required for a particular agricultural product, the following

documents must be signed by an authorized person or agent and authenticated by the local U.S.

Chamber of Commerce located in the city or area where the exporting firm is based.

Phytosanitary Certificate (for animal, plant, seed and grains)

Country of Origin Certificate

Health Certificate for processed food products

19

Halal Slaughter Certificate

Halal Certificate for meat and cheese products if the rennet used in the cheese is of animal

origin.

Radiation Free Certificate (for foodstuffs imported from former USSR countries, Japan and

Europe.) Dioxin Free Certificate (for foodstuffs imported from Europe (usually dioxin free

statement is included in the health certificate).

Quality Analysis Certificate for Grains

Seed Analysis Certificate

Official Biotech Positive Certificate

Fumigation Certificate

Veterinary Certificate

Commercial Invoice

Other required export documents, including a bill of lading, a packing list and weight certificate do not

need notarization.

20

APPENDIX I. CONDITIONS FOR IMPORTATION OF HORSES FROM THE

U.S.

Conditions for the permanent importation of horses into the kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the United

States of America:

1) Permission to import must be obtained from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) MEWA,

Quarantine Department before shipment leaves the exporting country.

2) In order to obtain an import permit, a fully completed import permit application form must be

submitted to the Saudi Arabian MEWA. At the ministry’s discretion, copies of test results and

proof of vaccinations may also be requested.

3) Pre- export isolation: during the 30 days immediately prior to export the horses must be held in

an isolation facility approved by USDA.

4) Pre- export Tests. The horse must be subjected to the following blood tests with negative results:

a. Coggins test for equine infectious anemia – see paragraph III (j) of the attached

model health certificate for details.

b. The Serum Neutralization Test for Equine Viral Arteritis with negative result at a

dilution of 1 in 4. (This test is required for uncastrated male horses only.) See

paragraph III (e) (v) of the attached model health certificate for details.

c. Vesicular Stomatitis – where appropriate – see paragraph III (i) of the attached Model

Health Certificate for options.

d. Western and Eastern Encephalomyelitis – where appropriate – see attached Model

Health Certificate for options.

The above tests are to be carried out in a laboratory approved for that purpose by United States

Department of Agriculture (USDA).

5) Vaccinations:

a. All horses must be fully vaccinated against Equine Influenza – see paragraph III (m) of

the attached Model Health Certificate for details.

b. Note: original certification showing proof of primary and all booster vaccinations,

given in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, must travel with the horse.

c. Other vaccinations may also be necessary - see Model Health Certificate for details.

21

6) West Nile Fever – Horses which are resident in States/provinces where the West Nile Virus

has been found require additional certification, see paragraph III (o).

7) Health Certificate

When horses are sent to KSA an official Health Certificate issued by a veterinarian

approved by the USDA to carry out export certification and endorsed by a Federal

Veterinarian must accompany them. The certificate should be in similar form to and

contain all the information in the certificate attached at Annex A. to these conditions.

Please read the certificate carefully to ensure that all parts are fully complied with. Dates

must be inserted, and deletions made where appropriate.

8) Quarantine on Arrival: On arrival in the KSA the horse will be subjected to a minimum of

6 days isolation in an officially approved Isolation Center and will be subjected to further

tests at the discretion of the MEWA. Should the horse fail any of the tests, or fail to comply

with the conditions of import, including failure to provide proper certification it may be

required to be re-exported at the owners’ expense or destroyed. All horses must arrive by

air at one of the approved international airports (Riyadh or Jeddah) unless special authority

is granted for landing elsewhere.

22

Sample Copy of Import Certificate for Horses

For the permanent import of horses into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the United States of America:

No. of Certificate………………………

Third Country of dispatch: (1) ………………………………………………………………………………

Ministry Responsible: ………………………………………………………………………………………

I. Identification of the animal

Species:

Horse

Breed

Age

Sex/Color

Method of identification and identification (*)

(*) A passport identifying the equine animal should be attached to this certificate provided that its number is

stated.

(a) No. of identification document (Passport): ………………………………………………………….

(b) Validated by: ………………………………………………………………………………………..

(Name of competent authority)

II. Origin and destination of the animal

The animal is to be sent from: …………………………………………………………………………..

(Place of export)

Directly to: ………………………………………………………………………………………………

(Place of destination)

By aircraft: (3) ………………………………………………………………………………………….

(indicate means of transport & registration marks, flight number or registered name, as appropriate)

Name and address of Consignor: ……………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Name and address of Consignee: ………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

23

III. Health Information

I, the undersigned, certify that the animal described above meets the following requirements:

(a) It comes from a country where the following diseases are compulsorily notifiable: African

Horse Sickness, Dourine, Glanders, Equine Encephalomyelitis (of all types including VEE),

Equine Infectious Anemia, Vesicular Stomatitis, Rabies, and Anthrax.

(b) It has been examined today and shows no clinical sign of diseases; (2)

(c) It is not intended for slaughter under a national program of infectious or contagious disease

eradication;

(d) During the three months immediately preceding the exportation (or since birth if the animal

is less than three months old or since entry if it was imported directly from the European

Community during the previous three months) it has been resident on holdings under veterinary

supervision in the United States of America and 30 days prior to dispatch apart from equidae not

of equivalent health status, in USDA approved isolation premises.

(e) It comes from the territory or in cases of official regionalization according to Community

legislation from a part of the territory of a third country in which:

I) Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis has not occurred during the last two years;

II) Dourine has not occurred during the last six months;

III) Glanders has not occurred during the last six months;

IV) either Vesicular Stomatitis has not occurred during the last six months (3) or the

animal was tested on a sample of blood taken within 21 days of export on

………………(4) by a virus neutralization test for Vesicular Stomatitis with negative

results at a dilution of 1 in 12 (3);

v) in the case of an uncastrated male animal older than 180 days, either Equine Viral

Arteritis (EVA) has not been officially recorded during the last six months (3),

or

the animal was tested on a sample of blood taken within 21 days of export on

……………….(4) by a virus neutralization test for EVA, with negative result at a

dilution of 1 in 4 (3), or an aliquot of its entire semen taken within 21 days of export on

…………(4) was tested by a virus isolation test for EVA with negative result (3), or the

animal was vaccinated on …………….(4) against Equine Viral Arteritis under official

veterinary supervision with a vaccine approved by the competent authority, according to

the following program for initial vaccination and has been re-vaccinated at regular

intervals (3).

24

Programs for initial vaccination against Equine Viral Arteritis:

Instruction:

Cross out vaccination programs that do not apply to the animal described above.

Verify supporting certification on testing before vaccination, and re- vaccination.

a) Vaccination was carried out on the day a blood sample was taken that subsequently

proved negative in a virus neutralization test at a dilution of 1:4.

or

b) Vaccination was carried out during a period of isolation of not more than 15 days

under official veterinary supervision, commencing on the day a blood sample was taken

that was tested during that time with negative result in a virus neutralization test at a

dilution of 1:4.

or

c) Vaccination was carried out when the animal was at an age of 180 to 270 days, during

a period of isolation under official veterinary supervision. During the isolation period

two blood samples taken at least 10 days apart proved a stable or declining antibody titer

in a virus neutralization test for equine viral arteritis.

(d) It does not come from the territory or from a part of the territory of a third country

considered, in accordance with EEC legislation, as infected with African horse sickness,

and either it was not vaccinated against African horse sickness (3) or it was vaccinated

against African horse sickness on ……………………….(3)(4).

(e) It does not come from a holding, which was subject to prohibition for animal health

reasons, nor had contact with equidae from a holding, which was subject to prohibition

for animal health reasons:

I) during six months in the case of equine encephalomyelitis, beginning on the date on

which the equidae suffering from the disease are slaughtered;

II) in the case of equine infectious anemia, until the date on which the infected animals

having been slaughtered, the remaining animals have shown a negative reaction to two

Coggins tests carried out three months apart;

III) during six months in the case of vesicular stomatitis;

IV) during one month from the last recorded case, in the case of rabies;

V) during 15 days from the last recorded case, in the case of Anthrax or

if all animals of species susceptible to the disease located on the holding have been

slaughtered and the premises disinfected, the period of prohibition shall be 30 days,

beginning on the day on which the animals were destroyed and the premises disinfected,

except in the case of anthrax, where the period of prohibition is 15 days.

25

(h) It shows no clinical signs of contagious equine metritis (CEM) and it does not come from a

holding where there has been any suspicion of CEM during the past two months nor had contact

indirectly or directly through coitus with equidae infected or suspected of being infected with

CEM;

(i) To the best of my knowledge, it has not been in contact with equidae suffering from an

infectious or contagious disease in the 15 days prior to this declaration;

(j) It was subjected to the following test carried out with negative results on a sample of blood

taken within 21 days of export on ……………………..(4)

a Coggins test for equine infectious anemia;

(k) Either it was not vaccinated against Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, (3)

or it was vaccinated on ……………………… (4) this being at least six months prior to pre-

export isolation; (3)

(l) Either it was vaccinated against western and eastern equine encephalomyelitis with

inactivated vaccine on …………..(3)(4) this being within six months of and at least 30 days

prior to export or it was subjected to haemagglutination inhibition tests to western and eastern

equine encephalomyelitis on two occasions, carried out on samples of blood taken with an

interval of 21 days on ……………….(4) and on …………….(4), the second of which must have

been taken within 10 days of export, either with negative reactions, if it has not been vaccinated,

or with no increase in antibody count, if it has been vaccinated more than six months ago.(3) (m)

During the 60 days immediately prior to export, but not within 14 days of export, the horse

received:

Either (i) two primary vaccinations against equine influenza, in accordance with the

manufacturer’s recommendations (3) (5).

Dates of vaccination 1…………….. 2………………

Type(s) of vaccine …………………. Batch No(s) ……………………………

or

(ii) it received a booster dose to a certified previous course of primary

vaccination (5).

Date of booster vaccination ………………………

Type(s) of vaccine …………………. Batch No(s) ……………………….

(n) The horse has not been, during the last 30 days, in any state in which vesicular stomatitis

(VS) has been diagnosed in the previous 6 months; has not been in contact with livestock that

has been, during the last 30 days, in any state in which VS has been diagnosed in the last 6

months; has not been in contact with livestock that has been resident on infected holdings in the

last 60 days.

26

(o) During the 30 days immediately prior to export:

either

i) It has not been resident in any State/province in which evidence of West Nile virus has

been found in the previous 6 months,

OR

ii. a) It has not been resident on any premises where clinical cases of West Nile fever

have been identified during this time AND b) It has been treated with an insect repellant,

effective against WNV vectors, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,

during any period, in the 15 days immediately prior to export, that the horse was in a

State/province in which evidence of West Nile virus has been found in the previous 6

months.

Name of product ……………………………… active

ingredient(s)…………..…………..

iii. It was not vaccinated against West Nile virus, or it was vaccinated against West Nile

virus with an inactivated vaccine on at least two occasions at an interval of between 21 to

42 days, the last vaccination being carried out not later than 30 days prior to dispatch on

…………

iv. The animal will be sent in a vehicle cleaned and disinfected in advance, with a

disinfectant officially recognized in the country of dispatch, and designed in a way that

droppings, litter or fodder cannot escape during transportation.

The following declaration signed by the owner or representative is part of the certificate.

V. The certificate is valid for 10 days.

Date Place Stamp (*) and signature of the official veterinarian

(Name in block letters, qualification and title)

(*) The color of the stamp must be different to that of the printing.

(1) Part of territory in accordance with Article 12 (2) of Council Directive 90/426/EEC.

(2) This certificate must be issued on the day of loading of the animal for dispatch to the

Member State of destination or, in the case of a registered horse, on the last working day

before embarkation.

(3) Delete as appropriate.

(4) Insert Date – In the case of a registered equine animal, tests carried out, their results

and vaccination have to be entered in the identification document (passport)

Declaration

27

I, the undersigned ………………………………………………………(insert name in

block capitals)

(owner or representative of the animal described above)

Declare:

1. The horse will be sent from the premises of dispatch to the premises of destination

without coming into contact with other equine not of the same health status. The

transportation will be effected in such a way that health and wellbeing of the animal can

be protected effectively.

2. The animal has either remained in ………………………………. (exporting country)

since birth or entered the exporting country at least 90 days prior to this declaration.

…………………………………………. …………………………………………………

(Place, date) (Signature)

28

APPENDIX II. LIST OF LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Table: 1 Imported animals infected with the following diseases will be rejected immediately without permission

to unload at quarantine area:

1. Foot and mouth disease

2. Vesicular Stomatitis

3. Rinderpest

4. Pests des petits ruminants

5. Lump skin disease

6. Rift valley fever

7. Bluetongue

8. Sheep pox

9. Goat pox

10. Rabies

11. Aujeszky’s disease

12. Louping – ill

13. Akabane disease

14. Camel pox

15. Malignant catarrhal fever

16. Ephemeral fever

17. Caprine arthritis/encephalitis

18. Maedi-visna

19. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy

20. Scrapie

21. Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

22. Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia

23. Anthrax

24. Brucellosis

25. Tuberculosis

26. Leptospirosis

27. Paratuberculosis

28. Enzootic bovine leucosis

29. Pasteurellosis

30. Contagious agalactia

31. Enzootic abortion of ewes

32. Listeriosis

33. Heartwater

34. New world screwworm

35. Old world screwworm

29

Table: 2 Animals infected with the following diseases can be kept in quarantine areas provided the infestation

rate does not exceed 10 percent of random samples tested:

1. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis

2. Bovine viral diarrhea

3. Contagious pustular dermatitis (Scabby mouth)

4. Ulcerative dermatosis

5. Bovine ulcerative mammillitis

6. Papillomatosis

7. Cow pox

8. Pseudo cowpox

9. Newborn viral enteritis (Rota virus & Corona virus infection)

10. Ovine pulmonary adenomatosis

11. Dermatophilosis

12. Bovine genital campylobacteriosis

13. Caseous lymphadenititis

14. Ovine epididymitis (Brucella ovis) for slaughter animals only

15. Colibacillosis

16. Salmonellosis

17. Actinomycosis

18. Actinobacillosis

19. Calf diphtheria

20. Bovine anaplasmosis

21. Oestrus ovis infestation

22. Oestrus cameli infestation

23. Hypoderma bovis

24. Gastro-intestinal parasitism (Helminthes)

25. Verminous bronchitis (lungworm infestation)

26. Mange

27. Tick infestation

28. Coccidiosis

29. Cryptosporidiosis

30. Echinococcosis\hydatidosis

31. Babesiosis

32. Cysticercosis

33. Theileriosis

34. Trypanosomiasis

35. Filariasis

36. Ringworm

30

Other certifications that may be required for livestock imported for breeding purposes include certificate

of weight to show the average weight of the exported livestock, production records and officially

certified pedigree certificate.

APPENDIX III: OFFICIAL MEAT IMPORT REQUIREMENTS

We (name the body issuing the certificate) testify that the meat is derived from animals slaughtered in an

approved and recognized slaughterhouse under the supervision of (name of the official body) and we

also testify that:

1. The meat is derived from animals with an average age of (…) and had been tested within the

range of 12 hours before and after slaughtering by the official bodies concerned to ensure their

safety and fitness for human consumption.

2. The meat is derived from animals born and reared in (name of country of origin) and from

herds that are officially registered in (name of the body responsible for registering herds).

3. The meat is from animals, which have never been suspected or proved to be infected with an

infectious disease.

4. The meat is prepared, handled, stored and transported according to the approved standards.

5. The meat is supervised though all stages of production, storage, and transportation by the

official technician from (name of the official body).

6. The meat is not subjected or stored with products made from regions that do not comply with

the conditions mentioned in paragraph 3.

7. The meat is transported from the slaughterhouse to the cutting house and then to the port of

export, according to regulations, that does not allow it to pass by or stop at areas where pigs are

kept, and the means of transportation should not by at any time used to carry pigs or its meat or

products.

8. Within the last three months there is no outbreak of an epidemic in (name of the region or

county) and we also declare that:

All cows, veal, goats, sheep and poultry and their meat are subjected to inspection and veterinary

examination.

According to the regulations in (name of the country) all infectious deceases are officially

notified.

All animal infected with and infectious diseases are completely destroyed.

31

9. The animals have not been fed with feed manufactured with animal protein or fat or animal

remains and the feed comply with the approved standards.

10. The animals were not subjected to growth hormones that do not comply with the levels

mentioned in the approved standards.

11. The meat is processed with drugs and veterinary medicine within the levels mentioned in the

approved standards.

12. According to the approved standards the meat does not contain any flavoring or coloring

substances.

13. All health requirements are available in all abattoirs where cattle and poultry is being

slaughtered and prepared for export. Hazard analysis and Critical control point system HACCP

should be applied at all production phases at the abattoirs and factories where all kinds of meat

and foodstuff are prepared.

Official stamp

Signature

Name of veterinary inspector

Date

Address

32

Format of Health Certificate for frozen and chilled meat Name and address of consignor

Name and address of consignee

Certificate No:

No of Seal on the Container/No of Container(s)

Name, address and number for veterinary approval of

the slaughterhouse:

Name, address and number for veterinary approval of

the Cutting establishment:-

Name of Exporting country

Name of Responsible Ministry

Health Certificate for export of frozen and chilled meat and (un

processed meat) to:

Identification of means of transportation Local veterinary service in the country of origin

Type of Meat

Type of cut

No of Halal certificate

Place of loading

Country and place of Destination

Trade mark Type & number of

packages

Net weight Date of

expiration

Date of production Slaughtering

date

I the undersigned, authorized person, certify that the good described above meets all the

requirements mentioned in the sanitary attestation attached to this document.

Place Date

Signature of local official inspector

Official stamp

Competent Authority Letterhead Certificate for Export of Fresh/Frozen Poultry and Poultry Products

to Saudi Arabia

33

DATE ISSUED________________ CERTIFICATE NUMBER____________________

1. The birds were subject to veterinary examination not more than 12 hours prior to and

immediately after slaughter and found free from disease and suitable for human

consumption.

2. The birds originated from flocks under State supervision for the diseases regulated by the

State or the United States Department of Agriculture.

3. The birds for slaughter were given careful veterinary inspection and found free from

clinical signs of infectious and contagious disease.

4. The product was prepared, handled, stored and transported under hygienic conditions.

5. The product is in conformity with pertinent United States regulations concerning

production, storage, and transport.

6. There have been no outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (fowl plaque), lethal-

type Newcastle disease, fowl typhoid and pullorum disease in the State of origin in the 3

months prior to slaughter.

7. The product has not been stored with products that have not passed inspection.

8. The poultry has not been fed with animal-protein, animal fats, or animal by-products.

9. The United States Food and Drug Administration prohibits the use of growth- stimulating

hormones in poultry feeds.

Signature of Official Veterinarian__________________________________________________

Printed Name________________________________________________________________________

Title/Professional Degree_____________________________________________________________

Sample Halal Certificate

The following information on Halal certification was obtained from a recent Halal certificate issued by a

U.S. based approved Islamic Center for export of U.S. beef and poultry meat to Saudi Arabia.

Letter Head of the Islamic Center:

34

Date Certificate Issued:

Halal Attestation: The Islamic Society hereby certifies that the under mentioned shipment of

beef/lamb/poultry: has been slaughtered according to the Islamic Rite. The products have been

inspected within 12 hours before and after slaughtering and found to be free from infectious diseases.

No animal proteins, fats, bones, animal wastes or growth hormones were used in the fodder of these

animals. Products have been inspected and found free of growth stimulants and harmful materials.

Accordingly, these products are Halal and suitable for Muslims to consume.

Consignee:

Shipper:

Production Date(s):

Slaughter Date (s):

Expiry Date(s):

Description:

No. of Cases:

Net Weight:

Invoice No.

Signature of the Imam and seal of the Islamic center:

Halal certificate’s serial number:

The above information was included on the Islamic center’s letter head

APPENDIX: IV. HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR FISH AND SEAFOOD

PRODUCTS

Name and address of consignor

Certificate No

Approval number, name and address of processing establishment.



35

Health Certificate for export of fish and sea

products to


Local veterinary service in the country of origin

Identification of means of transportation

Place of loading


Species of

products

State or type of

processing

Type & number of

packages

Net

weight

Date of

production

Date of

expiration

I the undersigned, authorized person, certify that the good described above meets all the requirements mentioned in the

sanitary attestation attached to this document.

Place Date


Official stamp


Certificate No

Approval number, name and address of processing establishment.



36

Health Certificate for export of Dairy products to




Place of loading


Type & number of

packages

Description of the milk/milk products

and animal species

Date of

Production

Date of

Expiration Net

weight

I the undersigned, authorized person, certify that the good described above meets all the requirements

mentioned in the sanitary attestation attached to this document.

Place Date


Official

stamp

APPENDIX V. HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR EGG AND EGG PRODUCTS


Certificate No

Approval number, name and address of processing establishment



Health Certificate for export of egg and egg

37

products for human consumption to




Place of loading


Name of products (Yolk

powder, egg white

powder etc...)

Product derived from

(Domestic Fowl, other

birds)

Type &

number of

packages

Net

weight

Date of

production Date of

expiration

I the undersigned, authorized person, certify that the good described above meets all the requirements

mentioned in the sanitary attestation attached to this document.

Place Date


Official stamp

APPENDIX VI. BIOTECH CERTIFICATES

A. Processed Foods

I. Following is a sample certificate issued by a state department of agriculture and accepted by Saudi

port authorities:

Certificate of Health and Free Sale, Sanitary and Purity

"I, (name of state official), do hereby certify that (name of U.S. company and address) operates a food

manufacturing plant which is inspected at regular intervals by full-time inspectors employed by the

(name of state) Department of Agriculture. The facility’s equipment and raw materials, as well as the

processing and packaging procedure, meets all sanitary requirements and the operation is in good

standing in every respect. We certify the following listing of products as freely, and without

qualification, sold and used in the United States of America (USA).

This product may contain genetically modified organisms.

38

This certificate shall be good for one year from the date of issue.

This certificate is not to be construed as either an expression of implied warranty of any products of said

company, nor shall it be used for propaganda, advertising, or other simple purposes.

This certificate shall not be altered after the issue date, or it will be deemed void by the (name of state)

Department of Agriculture and the undersigned.

(The certificate should be issued with the seal of the State Department of Agriculture, notarized, and

signed by the appropriate State Department of Agriculture official)."

39

B. U.S. Feed Grains, Soybeans and Soybean Meal

Below is GIPSA’s one-time grains certification statement accepted by the Saudi MEWA in lieu of a

shipment-by-shipment biotech certification requirement.

Crop Statement

Soybeans We hereby certify that the soybeans may come from genetically modified soybeans of

the type Monsanto Roundup Ready Soybeans that have been approved for import into

the EEC under directive 96/281/ EC.

The soybeans may come from genetically modified soybeans of the type Monsanto

Roundup Ready Soybeans.

Transgenic soybeans commercially produced in the United States have completed the

necessary review under the U.S. regulatory process for determining the safety of new

agricultural biotechnology products. This well-coordinated regulatory process sets U.S.

standards for human, animal, and plant health, and environmental safety. The transgenic

soybeans used for domestic purposes are the same as those used for export.

Corn Transgenic corn commercially produced in the United States has completed the

necessary review under the U.S. regulatory process for determining the safety of new

agricultural biotechnology products. This well-coordinated regulatory process sets U.S.

standards for human, animal, and plant health, and environmental safety. The transgenic

corn used for domestic purposes is the same as corn used for export.

Testing

Parameters

The sample was tested using a method equal to or exceeding the performance of the A's

GIPSA testing recommendations, as set out in Directive 9181.1.

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APPENDIX VII. PLANTING SEEDS IMPORT REQUIREMENT

A. Vegetable Seeds Import Requirement

The packs may be made of papers or nylon imprinted with the species, class, quality, exporting

company, importing merchant, purity ration, germination ratio and date of inspection or otherwise

labeled with the same on the back or placed inside an easy to read through nylon bag. Another choice is

that many packs can be placed in a cardboard box and labeled with the number of the cases contained

and then labeled with details imprinted on the bag. The product shall be free of weed seeds.

Local importer must obtain a written permit prior to seed import from the Saudi MEWA’s Animal and

Plant Quarantine Department.

Following are required certificates and documents for imported planting seeds:

1. Certified certificate of origin

2. Agricultural hygiene certification (containing the same quantity, species and classes) stating

that the seeds are free of pests and fungal diseases.

3. Bill of lading or airway bill plus a copy of the commercial invoice.

4. For cucurbitaceae seeds, a certificate that the seeds are virus resistant strains.

5. For bean seeds, a certificate that proves they are free of halook seeds.

6. Disinfectant treatment certificate from the country of origin shall be attached.

7. Biotech seed exported to Saudi Arabia must be approved in the country of origin for planting

seeds. Each shipment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by competent

government agency stating that the biotech ingredients used in the production of the planting

seed are approved in the country of origin for planting seeds and meet all requirements specified

in GSO 2141/2011.

8. Seeds approved for imports should not arrive at one of Saudi ports before the elapse of 10

days from the date the import permit is

9. This import permit is valid for six months from the date of approval.

B. Onion Import Requirements

1. Certificate of origin, duly authenticated by the authorities concerned.

2. Agricultural hygiene certificate of the same number and items certifies that the seeds are free

from pests and fungal diseases.

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3. Bill of lading or airway bill plus the commercial invoice copy.



days from the date the import permit is granted.

6. Biotech onion seeds exported to Saudi Arabia must have been approved in the country of

origin for planting seeds. Each shipment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by

competent government agency stating that the biotech ingredients used in onion seeds

production are approved in the country of origin for onion seeds and meet all requirements

specified in GSO 2141/2011.


C. Seedling (nursery plants) imports Requirements

1. Certificate of origin, duly authenticated by the authorities concerned.

2. Bill of lading or airway bill plus commercial invoice copy.

3. Agricultural hygiene certificate of the same number and items certify that the shoots are free

from pests and fungal diseases.

4. Soil entry with the shoots is prohibited. Shoots shall be pre-planted into internationally

recognized material (petmos), in the agricultural perlite or vermiculite.

5. Shoots shall be labeled with species and class labels.

6. Shoots approved for imports should not arrive at one of Saudi ports before the elapse of 10


7. Biotech Seedling (nursery plants) exported to Saudi Arabia must be approved in the country

of origin for seedling. Each shipment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by

competent government agency stating that the biotech ingredients used in the production of the

seedling are approved in the country of origin for planting and meet all requirements specified in

GSO 2141/2011.


D. Potato Buds (tubers) import Requirements

1. Agricultural hygiene certification (containing the same quantity, species and classes) stating

that the seeds are free of viral, bacterial, fungal, insect diseases and 100% free of pseudomonas

solanacearum.

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2. Bill of lading or airway bill plus a copy of the commercial invoice.

3. Potatoes buds shall be of the type recommended by MEWA. They shall be free of radiation.

4. The buds imported for vegetation or production shall be basic seeds-class E, their size shall

not be less than 28 ml and not more than 55 mm.

5. The buds shall be received in new labeled 50 kg burlap sacks. Their class shall be imprinted

on the sack labels. The experimental buds may be packed in wood boxes of 20-30 kg capacity

labeled with the above mentioned information.

6. Buds approved for imports should not arrive at one of Saudi ports before the elapse of 10 days

from the date the import permit is granted.

7. Biotech potato seeds (tubers) exported to Saudi Arabia must have been approved in the

country of origin for planting. Each shipment must be accompanied by a health certificate

issued by competent government agency stating that the GE potato seed is approved in the

country of origin for planting and meets all requirements specified in GSO 2141/2011.


E. Grain and Forage Seeds Import Requirements

1. Certified certificate of origin.

2. Bill of lading or Airway bill and the commercial invoice copy.

3. For alfalfa seeds, certificate: of free of weed seeds, certified seeds, investigation certificate

from a specialized company, duly authenticated by the Saudi Embassy, stating that the seeds are

in accordance with the required conditions and specifications.

4. Seeds shall not arrive at any port in the Kingdom prior to the elapse of 10 days after the date

of approval of the import permit.


5. Each package shall be labeled with the purity ratio, germination ratio and date of inspection in

Arabic language.

6. Vegetable, cereals and alfalfa seeds from Eastern Europe, Canada and Turkey shall be

attached with the Orange International Seed Lot Certificate by ISTA, whereas seeds from

Northern America shall be attached with Federal Lab Certificate. The Lot No. mentioned in the

certificate should match that on the packs.

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8. Biotech grains and forage seeds exported to Saudi Arabia must have been approved in the

country of origin for planting. Each shipment must be accompanied by a health certificate

issued by competent government agency stating that the GE grains and forage seeds are

approved in the country of origin for planting and meet all requirements specified in GSO

2141/2011.


Note: Although the GSO biotech regulation number 2141/2011 allows the importation of

biotech planting seeds, no Saudi companies have shown any interest importing or planting any

kind of biotech seed.

Documents

Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards FAIRS … · 2019-04-16 · Food safety MEWA Processed Foodstuffs Health Certificate Biotech Health Certificate ( if biotech